The F1 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 243 mph. Only 64 were built, between 1993 and 1998.

Hartley told the Daily Mail that the car he sold is especially valuable, as "It has an unblemished history, has never been crashed and has been maintained regardless of cost."

The Bugatti Veyron is currently the world's fastest production car, with a top speed of 260 mph.

Hartley will not confirm the exact price or buyer, but says he sold it for "in excess of £3.5 million," and that the new owner is not British. During its production run, a new F1 cost £634,000 ($1 million).